I IS FOR IRAN

One of the best queer documentaries I’ve ever seen. “Be Like Others” sheds light on the singularity of Iranian society’s relationship towards gay men and transgender women. It is perfectly accommodating towards transwomen but homosexuality is considered a crime. This leads to many gay men passing as transwomen to not have to deal with morality police. But since legal status is a part of this, some gay men go as far as to have gender reaffirment surgery which allows them to live freely but not as themselves. And then, some consider suicide. Watching people struggle with having to forego one part of their identity to have some space for another is devastating.

Be Like Others, 2008
Director: Tanaz Eshaghian